A neighbour has told how he saw raiders as they broke into a convenience store in the early hours of the morning.

The Co-op in Manor Road, Kings Bromley, was broken into at around 2.25am today, Tuesday, November 12, when intruders attempted to steal cigarettes, police have said.

The resident, who asked not to be named, said: "My dog started barking at about 2.30am and then I heard this almighty crash. It just sounded like a car bumping into another car.

"I could hear hammering and what sounded like glass smashing. I could see it all from my window so I went downstairs, dialled 999 and reported it.

"I saw three men going in and out of the shop, through the broken glass. They looked to be taking stuff from a cupboard and putting them into the boot of a black BMW. I think they were cigarettes.

"I then went to another window where I could see the car park, and I saw blue lights heading towards the Co-op, no sirens, but the lights were coming down.

"I thought I had been on the phone for about 10 minutes, but it was actually two minutes and 25 seconds and the first police car had arrived. I was very impressed.

The Co-op in Kings Bromley has been badly damaged

"The police car screamed into the car park and I think they got two guys, and the third ran off in the direction of Yoxall.

"And then more police started arriving, and at one point, I think I counted 15 officers. I think it's a testament to the police how quickly they responded and that they managed to arrest two people there and then."

Two people have now been arrested and are in police custody.

A spokesman for Staffordshire Police said: "Two men have been arrested following a break-in at a convenience store in Kings Bromley during the early hours of this morning.

"During the incident, the alarm at the Co-op on Manor Road was activated by intruders, as they forced entry and attempted to steal cigarettes at around 2.25am.

"Officers attended within minutes and arrested two men from Birmingham at the scene. A suspected stolen BMW was also recovered.

"An 18-year-old was arrested on suspicion of burglary and theft, and a 24-year-old was arrested on suspicion of burglary and possession of a controlled drug.

"They both remain in police custody at the time and enquiries are continuing."

A spokesman for the Co-op said: "There was an incident in the early hours of this morning where intruders entered our Kings Bromley store.

"We are appealing for anyone who may have seen or heard anything to come forward to police who are investigating.

"The store will re-open this afternoon to serve the community."

Passersby in the area shared their views on the break-in, with many pointing out that it is not the first time the store has been targeted.

In August 2017, raiders used a digger to smash their way into the shop and attempted to steal the free-standing cash point from inside. The attempt was unsuccessful and those responsible were jailed earlier this year.

Stuart Brown, 53, from Kings Bromley, said: "It's happened a few times now so something really needs to be done. It's not fair on the staff who have to pick up the pieces every time. I've heard the police got two of them so I hope that's true."

His wife, Kathryn, 49, said: "It's really sad to see. I hope no one was hurt and the police catch them all soon before they can do it again."

Cigarettes have been left strewn on the floor of the Kings Bromley Co-op

David Wilson, 71, who also lives in the village, said: "I suppose it's a feeling of resignation that this has happened. The police do their best but there's only so much they can do. They do an excellent job within what they can."

Jean Hanson, 68, who lives in Alrewas, said: "I was just going to get a few bits on the way to seeing my daughter. I know it has happened before here. Its a real shame. Especially for all of the staff. I hope no one was working when it happened."

One man, who asked not to be named, said: "I can't believe it's happened again. I was going to get some milk and bread but I'll have to go elsewhere. The police are still here and doing a fine job by the looks of it. I'm just glad to see it was only things stolen rather than anybody getting hurt or threatened."

Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact Staffordshire Police, by calling 101, quoting incident number 029 of November 12.